Amber Kingston of Florida works as a clinical trial manager and operations professional. In the following article, Amber Karen Kingston discusses how in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, patient-centricity stands as the cornerstone of progress. The saying “patients come first” has never been truer. This platitude serves as the guiding principle of modern clinical trial design as the medical industry shifts towards “patient-centric” trials. In the past few years, all have obsrved a substantial drive to prioritize patient input in clinical trials and in the healthcare industry as a whole. Amber Karen Kingston notes that research from the National Library of Medicine suggests that involving patients and incorporating their insights in designing clinical trial has indisputable benefits. However, the increased patient engagement in the design and development of clinical studies poses a challenge; how trials should be developed and who should be involved must be evaluated. Below are insights into how clinical trial managers can incorporate the input of patients into trial design to enhance recruitment, retention, and overall study success, focusing on patient input and its value in a clinical trial setting.

Amber Karen Kingston on the Value of Patient Insights

Why is patient input important in clinical trials? The simple answer: patients are experts in their conditions. They are the only individuals who can truly contribute to finding the right balance between the ask of the research and experience of a certain disease. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) National Priorities for Research and Initial Research Agenda authored by Dr. J.V. Shelby emphasizes the need for patient involvement in medical care study data. The study states that “advances in the medical industry begin with research that emphasizes outcomes meaningful to patients.” Experts believe that patients should be involved early on in the development phase of a clinical trial, ideally before protocols are finalized. BMJ Innovations published a study where “patient centricity” is defined. According to the study, patient centricity is “prioritizing patient engagement to achieve an overall better experience for the patient and their family." Amber Karen Kingston explains that in a clinical trial context, it means that patients’ needs should be prioritized when developing the protocols.

Elevating Clinical Trial Design: The Advantages of Patient Involvement

Let's explore the significant advantages that arise when patients play an active role in shaping the trajectory of clinical trials.

Improved Trial Design

The design of a clinical trial is what makes it effective. When designing a study, clinical trial managers should consider real-world experiences and needs through patient input. By doing so, study designs can potentially become more focused and relevant. Amber Karen Kingston explains that patient-centered clinical trials have a higher chance of yielding meaningful results that are beneficial to both the participants and the healthcare industry as a whole.

Higher Participant Recruitment

When a trial is patient-centered, there’s a higher chance of attracting suitable participants. Aligning the study’s criteria with the needs and preferences of patients helps clinical trial managers to easily target and recruit individuals who can substantially contribute to the study. Not only will this result in improved relevance of research but will also expedite the trial process. The Economist Intelligence Unit issued a report that examined various trial designs in terms of efficiency and access to patients. They found that patient-centric trials were 20 percent more likely to succeed and moved through recruitment faster compared to traditional studies. Amber Kingston of Florida says that trials that are patient-centered make it easier to participate, allowing managers and sponsors to find individuals who meet enrollment goals quickly.

Better Participant Retention

When clinical trial managers design a patient-centered study, the overall experience for participants is improved because they feel a deeper connection to it. The dropout rates are significantly reduced because participants feel heard and valued. Amber Kingston of Florida notes that because of this, they are more likely to stay engaged for the duration of the trial, ensuring the integrity of the study.

Increased Protocol Compliance

Incorporating the input of patients in the development of the trial protocols leads to the creation of procedures that are more feasible and better aligned with the daily lives of the participants. This can result in improved adherence to the protocols, as individuals are more inclined to follow instructions that are considerate of their needs. This, in turn, delivers more reliable data and a better understanding of the real-world implications of the treatment. Amber Kingston of Florida says that the active engagement of patients in clinical studies has paved the way for a transformative change in the healthcare industry. When the collective wisdom of healthcare practitioners is combined with insights from patients, the future of clinical research will continue to drive innovation, improve treatments, and create better health care for all.